2014 PROPOSED DATES:

OTHER DATES FOR OUTINGS & EVENTS WILL BE ADVERTISED HERE WHEN AVAILABLE. Please check in for any changes.

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LISMORE & DISTRICT

THEY PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE

1914-1918

Please advise the Derrinallum Lismore History Group if you can provide further details, family or district connections, a photograph or any information. We would be most grateful as all research is done in good faith. The source of this research is the Australian War Memorial online database and Skipton Historical Society online.

BAIN, R.

Private Robert Marshall BAIN 1676, served with the Australian Army, 24th Battalion (Infantry). He was killed in action on the 25 August 1916, aged 27 years, at Moquet Farm, Pozieres, France. His burial/memorial is at Serre Road Cemetery No 2, France. He was the son of George BAIN and his wife Hannah (nee MARSHALL) of Derrinallum. His birth was registered in Lismore in 1889, the youngest of 10 children. He went to school in Derrinallum and on records ‘other training' was termed "Generally Useful"

BAIRD, R. S.

Private Robert "Bob" Simpson BAIRD 7196, served with the Australian Army, 14th Battalion (Infantry). He was killed in action on the 24th March 1918 at Neuve Farm Eglise, Belgium aged 21 years and 9 months. His burial/memorial is at Westhof Farm Cemetery, Belgium. He was the son of James BAIRD and his wife Honorah (nee SIMPSON) of "Lorona" Lismore. He was born and educated at Blowhard. He had 2 elder sisters Norah and Agnes and 2 younger brothers John (Jack) and James (Jim).

BARR, G.

Private Gilbert Harold BARR 1226, served with the Australian Army, 39th Battalion (Infantry). He was killed in action on 8 June 1917 at Messines Belgium aged 26 years and 2 months. His burial/memorial is at Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium. He was the son of Thomas BARR and his wife Miriam (nee MARSHMAN) of Mingay. He was born at Warracknabeal and educated at Lah and Warracknabeal College. Gilbert was one of six men to enlist from Mingay to enlist on the same day.

BAULCH, W.

Private William John BAULCH 2566, served with the Australian Army, 58th Battalion (Infantry). He died on the 1 December 1916 of wounds sustained at the Somme in France aged 37 ½ years. His burial/memorial is at the Dartmoor Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, France. He was the son of Charles BAULCH and his wife Mary (nee BROWN) of Lexton. He was born at Curdies River near Warrnambool. On enlistment he was an engine driver. The BAULCH family settled at Bradvale near the corner of the road to Lismore.

BORBIDGE, C.

Private James Charles ‘Charlie' BORBIDGE 6620, served with the Australian Army, 7th Battalion. He died of wounds sustained at Ypres on the 5 of October 1917, aged 34 years. His burial/memorial is at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. He was the son of Henry BORBIDGE and his wife Maria (nee RUMI) who settled at Mingay, south of Skipton 1908. He was born and educated at Moyreisk (?South Australia). Charles was the eldest of a family of 11 children; Charles, John, Harry, Jane, William, Elizabeth, Joe, Tom, Rachel, Ted and Nell. He was a farmer on enlistment and had training as a General Rural Manager.

BUTTERS, R. O.

Shearing Smith Corporal Richard Leslie Oliver BUTTERS 1863, served with the Australian Army, 15th Light Horse Regiment, late of the Camel Corps. He died of illness on the 22 November 1918. His burial/memorial is at the Beirut War Cemetery, Lebanese Republic. He was the son of Richard BUTTERS and his wife Susannah (nee KLINE). ‘Les' was born at Cross Forrest Roads, Cobden, he was a blacksmith by trade but very clever at scout work. He had 12 cousins on active service, 5 of these were killed and 2 were amongst the last to evacuate Gallipoli. His brother ....... was a prisoner of war for 22 months in Germany but returned to Australia.

DUNN, E. E.

Driver Edwin Ernest ‘Ted' DUNN 3625, served with the Australian Army, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. He died of wounds sometime in May 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the family were never informed exactly when, at 26 years of age. His memorial is at the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. He was the son of George DUNN and his wife Euphemia ‘Maria' (nee STONE). On enlistment Ted was living and working as a motor driver in South Rippon probably on ‘Banongil', Skipton, Mingay area. He was born at Cobden and attended school at Rupanyup. The family persisted for many months to find out what had become of their son. Katrina Hedditch presented a very moving account of the family's struggle with the death of their son at the DLCA History Group Speakers Event "Military, Medal & Memorabilia" in 2011.

MACK, E. H.

Lieutenant Ernest ‘Ernie' Harold MACK served with the Australian Army, 8th Light Horse. He died of wounds in Egypt on the 23 December 1916, aged 30 years. His burial/memorial is at the Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. He was the son of Joseph MACK and his wife Helen (nee DODDS) of Berrybank Station. Three MACK brothers went to the war, Ernie, Stan and Jack.

McLENNAN, M. W.

Private Murdock William McLENNAN 51410, served with the Australian Army, 22nd Battalion (Infantry). He was killed in action at Mont Brehain, France on the 4 October 1918 aged 20 years and 8 months. His burial/memorial is at Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France. He was the son of Roderick McLENNAN and his wife Mary Jane (nee STEWART). The family lived in High Street, Lismore. Murdock was born in Lismore in 1898 and attended Lismore State School and was working as a labourer on enlistment.

SMITH, J. H.

Private James Henry SMITH 3210, served with the Australian Army, 15th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. He was killed in action somewhere in France, possibly Harbonnieres on the 9 August 1918 at age 24 years and 9 months. His burial/memorial is in the Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France. He was the son of John Owens SMITH and his wife ... of "The Granite" Lexton. He was educated at Granite Hill State School and was listed as a farmer on enlistment. It is assumed that J. H. SMITH may have been working or farming in the Lismore district for inclusion. There is a headstone in the Lismore Cemetery for J. H. SMITH, K.I.A. 9 August 1918 so there must have been a strong connection.

STONE, O.

Presumably (William) Oscar STONE 1403, served with the Australian Army, 39th Battalion (Infantry). He was the son of Samuel STONE and his wife Mary (nee BURKE) of Lismore. (More research req)

WILLIAMSON, J.

Lieutenant John Cedrick WILLIAMSON, served with the Australian Army, 4th Brigade Australian Field Artillery. He was killed in action at Broodsiende near Ypres in Belgium on the 5 October 1917. His memorial is in the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. He was the son of Edwin WILLIAMSON and his wife of "Struan" Lismore.

WILLIAMSON, H.

Sergeant Harold Claude WILLIAMSON 61, served with the Australian Army, 22nd Battalion, 6th Brigade AIF. He died of wounds at Pozieres, France on the 6 August 1916 aged 21 years and 1 month. His memorial is at Puchevillers British Cemetery, France. He was the son of Edwin WILLIAMSON and his wife of "Struan" Lismore. He was born in Warracknabeal and attended Willaura State School. These 2 brothers died, another brother Lieutenant A. WILLIAMSON returned from the war to "Struan" Lismore.

The Book of the Bairds, From Kirkconnel Cumnock, Scotland. An illustrated family history from 1743 until 2008. Kerrin COOK.

Information & photos supplied by Helen LANG (nee BUTTERS) of Geelong.

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LISMORE & DISTRICT

THEY PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE

1939-1945

Please advise the Derrinallum Lismore History Group if you can provide further details, family or district connections, a photograph or any information. We would be most grateful as all research is done in good faith. The source of this research is the Australian War Memorial online database and Skipton Historical Society webpage.

BRETT, R. O. C.

Flight Sergeant Ronald Oswald Charles BRETT 410446, served with the Royal Australian Air Force 207 Squadron. He died during a flying battle on the 12 July 1943 over Switzerland and is buried at Vevey (St Martin's) Cemetery Switzerland. He was the son of John Percy BRETT and his wife Lydia (nee ROBERTSON). The family lived at Mt. Bute. Ronald was a farmer and mechanic on enlistment. He was the uncle of Donald Brett.

CURRIE, J. C.

Private John Culross CURRIE VX52285, served with the Australian Army, 4th Reserve Motor Transport Company AASC. He died 15 October 1943, Siam (Thailand) from illness aged 21 years. He is buried at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. There is also a memorial grave in the Lismore Cemetery. He was the son of John Clive CURRIE and his wife Joanna Fraser (nee) of "Gala", Lismore. He was born in Adelaide South Australia and was a student on enlistment.

HOWELL, A.

Flight Lieutenant Alan Frederick HOWELL 400226, served with the Royal Australian Air Force, 230 Squadron RAF. He died in a flying battle on the 7 September 1942 in the Middle East, aged 29 years. He is buried in the Alexandra (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. He was the son of Christopher Travis HOWELL and his wife Mable Isabell, of Leslie Manor via Camperdown. His occupation on enlistment was farmer and grazier. One known brother, Travis Reid HOWELL.

JOHNSON, A.

Flight Sergeant Allan Wilson JOHNSON 400118, served in the Royal Australian Air Force, 77 Squadron RAF. He died officially presumed on the 24 April 1942 in a flying battle over Germany aged 31 years. His memorial is in the Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. On enlistment he was living at "Lake View" Derrinallum and was a Presbyterian Minister. He was the son of James David JOHNSON and his wife Normana. He was born in Terang.

LINGENBERG, E.

Private Ernest LINGENBERG V128221, served with the Australian Army, 39th Battalion (Infantry). He died of wounds on the 31 August 1942 in New Guinea aged 32 years. On enlistment he was living in Camperdown. He was the son of James LINGENBERG and his wife Frances, he was born at Foxhow. Ernie was Vera Grant's brother, he was the youngest son. A brother, Gunner H. G. LINGENBERG, 29th Battalion, 1st AIF died also.

McINTYRE, T.

Private Thomas ‘Tom' McIntyre vx66329 was born November 8th 1924, the third of five sons born to Andrew McIntyre and his wife Ethel Winifred (nee KEYS). The family were soldier settlers on the WW1 Mt Bute estate. Mrs McIntyre was an English war bride and spent her first year in Australia living in a tent on their block, with two very young children. Mr McIntyre died in a farm accident in 1936. Tom enlisted in the AIF two weeks after his 17th birthday, putting up his age. Three months later he died at the hands of the Japanese, Prisoner of War on Ambon. (http://skipton-historicalsociety-australia.freehosting.net/blank_3.html)

McLENNAN, J.

Presumably Acting Corporal James Mcmillan McLENNAN vx27242 served with the Australian Army, 2/21st Battalion (Infantry). He died 21 August 1945 of illness at Ambon Indonesia. He was the son of Roderick McLENNAN and Mary Jane Davidson (nee STEWART). He was born in Lismore in 1914.

NICHOLLS, R.

Presumably Aircraftman Class 1 Reginald George NICHOLLS 12766, served with the Royal Australian Air Force, 1 Squadron. He died a prisoner of war, 27 May 1945 in Thailand. His burial/memorial is in the Kachanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.

ROUNDS, M.

Private Murray Oliver ROUNDS VX45140, served with the Australian Army 2/24th Battalion (Infantry). He was killed in action on the 25 October 1942 in Egypt aged 20 years. His burial/memorial is in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. On enlistment he was living at Leslie Manor near Camperdown. He was the son of Oliver Laurence ROUNDS and his wife Mabel. He was born at Foxhow.

STEELE, C. F. C.

Sergeant Charles Figsby Colville STEELE 400496, served with the Royal Australian Air Force, 2 (C) Operational Training RAF. He died accidentally on the 17 August 1941 at Yorkshire United Kingdom, aged 20 years and is buried at Brandesburton, St. Mary Churchyard Yorkshire in the Special Section. He was the son of Walter Colville STEELE and his wife Isla Margaret of Leslie Manor via Camperdown. Charles was born in Auburn Melbourne. Four brothers are known, Lieutenant R. J. C. STEELE abroad, Lieutenant H. C. C. STEELE Prisoner of War, Malaya, Flying Officer J. A. C. STEELE and L. A. C. STEELE.

MOYSE, A.

Private Archibald Francis VX8405, served with the Australian Army, 2/7th Battalion (Infantry). He died on the 8 July 1940 in Palestine, aged 35 years and is possibly buried in the Gaza British War Cemetery. He was the son of Thomas MOYSE and his wife Jane of Liskeard, Cornwall, England. On enlistment he was living in Lismore and working as a labourer in the district.

ROWE, T. N.

Flying Officer Thomas Nicoll ROWE 400293, served with the Royal Australian Air Force 11 Squadron. He died accidentally on the 21 January 1942 in the New Guinea area, aged 22 years. He is buried in the Lae War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea. He was the son of William Thomas ROWE and his wife Beatrix (nee NORMAN). He was born in Armadale in 1919. At the time of enlistment he was studying engineering at Melbourne University and living in South Yarra. There must be some connection with the Lismore district to appear on the Lismore Honour Roll.

This project was initiated by the Lismore & District Lions Club and negotiated & managed by the DLCA History Group. An application funding for was successful from the Department of Veterans Affairs: ‘Saluting Their Sevice Commemorations Grant'. A small committee met to investigate and research the project and decided to proceed with the original names on the beautiful wood Honour Board displayed in the Lismore Community Complex Hall; those who paid the supreme sacrifice in WW1 and WW2. We are not familiar with the criteria applied to selecting these names but we trust in the wisdom of our forebears.

Many have asked why Lismore Memorial has no names, particularly those stopping at the Coffee Stop. There is an extensive Honour Board in the Community Complex Hall for WW1 covering the district; Westbank, Derrinallum, Wallinduc, Vite Vite, Foxhow, Berrybank, Gnarpurt and Mingay. At the time after WW1 the community decided to have a living memorial in the form of avenues of trees in William and Heriot Streets, some of which still survive. Some 190 trees were planted commemorating the soldiers who served.

WW2 Soldiers are honoured with an Honour Board for those who attended Lismore State School. A separate Honour Board lists the names of those who died in both wars who lived and worked and had some connection to the district.

As a community we would like to honour these soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice by displaying their names proudly on our War Memorial. The ongoing research to document these men's lives in the community so long ago is an important focus for the DLCA History Group in preserving the identity and history of our district.

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Office bearers for 2014-2015 are:

PRESIDENT...SANDY GIBSON

SEN. VICE PRESIDENT...KATHY BELL

SECRETARY...BARB ROYSLAND .

TREASURER...PAM PITTS

ASS. TREASURER...AVON BUCHHOLZ .

MEMBERSHIP SEC....PAM PITTS

PUBLIC OFFICER...BARB ROYSLAND

COLLECTIONS MANAGER...AVON BUCHHOLZ

Please note memberships 2014-2015 are due at date of AGM

Family: $15, Individual: $10, Conc/Student: $5.

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Derrinallum P-12 College celebrates 50 years of education

The Derrinallum Lismore History Group would like to congratulate the Derrinallum College on their splendid 50 Year Celebrations last weekend; great organisation and marvellous displays of photos & memorabilia.

HR opened the doors both Saturday & Sunday with many "old" faces dropping in to the Rooms to view our display, photos etc.; with several offers of photos and local information for our archives. The weekend was a very successful opportunity to gather items and network with people who have moved away from the district.

"What's under your bed?" Is there a stash of memoriabilia????

If you have photos, stories, newspapers, programs, etc of local interest please bring them into us for scanning OR donate them to the Derrinallum Lismore History Group Archives during your visit to Derri.

Much history has left the district, been destroyed by fires or thought unimportant; this is a great opportunity to return photos, memories, documents to their origin. Please don't allow them to end up in the bin down the track!

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PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

"BERRYBANK 1851-1968"

a reprint of the original is now available: $20

"AND WE WHO FOLLOWED"

A History of the Heytesbury 1921-1987: $5

" ON WESTERN LANDS"

A History of the Shire of Hampden (1964-1994): $5

"BROWN'S WATER HOLES"

History of Lismore 1840-1980: $20

"DESIGNING PLACE"

An Archaeology Of The Western District: $30

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HISTORY ROOMS are generally OPEN

FRIDAY 1-4pm

except Public Holidays, limited hours during January.

Open: 1 - 4pm Friday

Our hours of opening are now afternoons only 1-4pm every Friday or by appointment. This will be a little less of an 'ask' on our volunteers. There are also phone numbers in the window of the History Rooms if you require some assistance at some other time.

There is a lot of exciting history research, recording by tape, scanning of photos and newspapers in progress. Please call in some time and find out what is happening or even assist us. We always appreciate families making contact if they find photos, diaries or documents relating to the district. We don't ever wish to keep them but we could very quickly scan them so a copy could be kept @ HR for future generations. Tony Hodson has just seen a photo of the "lamp lighter" at Derrinallum - a very rare find.

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REPORT: Military, Memories & Medals - April 22nd 2012

A crowd of sixty or more people crowded into the Derrinallum Hall to listen to our three speakers & view the displays. What an enthusiastic crowd!

Peter Bakker - our ‘medal ribbons man' had lunch at 4:30pm! Our speakers were very generous with their time and were able to speak to mostpeople who had personal experiences to share. Some very rare and very old medals were produced by some of our audience and their age/history was revealed to the families. Katrina Hedditch had a very emotional story to tell of nurses and their difficult conditions on Lemnos - her books are available at the Wooltrack Store. A postcard was brought along from an injured soldier on a hospital ship describing the conditions in the bay. While Robin spoke in a most entertaining way regarding the Boer War. Chris Lang brought along some Lang family Boer War memorabilia.

Thankyou to all who came on the day. Our reports are that every one enjoyed themselves..................................... Our thanks to all who helped on the day!

Peter Bakker

Katrina Hedditch

Robin Drooglever

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REPORT: Lismore Locomotive Refurbishment Celebration - May 9th 2012

The Lismore Locomotive (1917-1965) Refurbishment Celebration was held at Grimwade Park, 11:30 am -1:30pm. It was well attended & enjoyed by about 80 people including the Lismore Primary School students & staff.

Councillor Geoff Smith spoke of the Shire's involvement in the refurbishment project. Ted Goodacre shared memories of the train & the Lions Club involvement in maintenance over the years. Mrs Bardie Mercer (nee Grimwade) explained some of the history and the love of trains that her father Mr Grimwade continued to have throughout his life. It was his foresight that instigated the steam locomotive & tender to be transported to Lismore arriving on May 20th 1965, approximately 45 years ago. We were also fortunate to have Debo McNab (nee Grimwade) present as well. A "sausage sizzle" & cuppa was provided after the speakers.

Thankyou to the Grimwade family, Corangamite Shire & Cr Geoff Smith, Lismore Progress Association, DLCA History Group for a wonderful display, Lismore Primary School students for participating & their artwork and Lismore & District Lions Club for "manning" the BBQ. Lots of volunteer hours!

Debo McNab (nee Grimwade) & Bardie Mercer (nee Grimwade)

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"Medals, Memories & More......"

Sunday 22nd April 2012, 11:00am @ Derrinallum Hall

1. Peter Bakker: TOPIC: "Medals and Medal Ribbons of the British Empire". He will bring an extensive collection of ribbons. He will also provide a brief overview of the history of medal ribbons and the decorum involved in their usage. .........I will bring an extensive display of British medal ribbons from the Battle of Waterloo to present day, a full display of Australia's current honour system of military ribbons, and numerous other military and civil ribbon bars. I will also bring a selection of medals for display, including a medal belonging to a British soldier of the Middlesex Regiment who was killed in the fighting of the very first day of the first British battle against the Germans in the First World War - at the Battle of Mons on 23rd August, 1914. I am able to provide a brief overview of the history of medal ribbons and the decorum involved in their usage. I will have some books with me and will try to answer questions as to identification, replacements, etc. After my talk people will be free to view the colourful and informative display items on tables. I have found from experience that the displays are very popular and get people involved - they allow people to mingle, chat and ask questions................................

2. Katrina Hedditch: TOPIC: "Lemnos 1915- A Nursing Odyssey in Gallipoli" Katrina will speak about her latest book "Lemnos 1915" and the contribution these amazing nurses, many from the Western District, made during WW1. ................."Here I am at work now, and, by jove, it iswork too. When we landed on Sunday night we had a march from the pier up to this place - about a mile - over rough stony ground...We went "on duty" to a tent with 20 mattresses, blankets, four stools, a couple of teapots and a jug. I think that was all the equipment of my tent...To feed 40 patients with about six cups or feeders is not an enviable job." Sr. Lilian Malster.

Nurses who sailed from western Victoria in 1914 and 1915 watched and lived through the medical debacle at close quarters from hospital ships as well as the base hospitals in Egypt and on Lemnos. Their experiences are a fascinating but forgotten chapter of Australian war history.

3. Robin Drooglever: TOPIC:"Victoria's contribution to the Boer War". Robin is the author of 2 extensive books on the Boer War, "That Ragged Mob- A Regimental History of the Victorian Bushmen", the story of the Victorian 3rd and 4th Contingents sent to the war in South Africa in 1900. & " Thorneycroft's Unbuttoned - The Story of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry in the Boer War, 1899-1902 (Includes the Roll of all Who Served)".

Robin has an extensive knowledge of the Boer War and is such an interesting speaker............if you have an ancestor who was involved please bring details to share.

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GNARPURT SCHOOL REUNION REPORT 1-4-2012

A very successfull gathering was held on the 1st of April at the Grimwade Rooms, Lismore Health Centre. 40 people attended with 19 ex students present on the day. Memories, photos & escapades of school days were revealed!

Rodger & Jenny Mulligan and Patzy Fort did a marvellous job in organising the day. The DLCA History Group appreciated the invitation to attend and gather information, photos and other local history on the day.

The Derrinallum & Lismore Community Association History Group was formed in 2002 as a subcommittee of the Derrinallum & Lismore Community Association. Following a Community Opportunity Workshop held in 2001, it became obvious that there was a strong interest in the history of our district so a group was formed. Membership grew, activities and goals developed. In 2007 History Rooms were built in Derrinallum through the generous support of Community, Shire & Government. Our mostly paper based archive is growing. We are an active "Group", which is continuing to evolve and gain community status and recognition. Our focus area is Lismore, Derrinallum and Darlington.

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OUR MISSION:

The Derrinallum & Lismore Community Association History Group is dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, promotion and research of the history and culture of the local area.

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GALA Estate- SOLDIER SETTLEMENT

Plaque unveiling- 27th November 2011

Over one hundred people attended the unveiling at the site on the Lismore-Skipton Road. Three families - The Heath. Lloyd & Liston children, who spent their childhood here and went to the Lismore Primary School, enjoyed renewing acquaintances and remembering old times. Apologies were received from the Corlette family. No response was received from Adrian or Alistar Robertson.

Jim Liston brought down the most amazing selection of old Lismore photos - footy, wedding, cars & farms all without any identification. They were all in the canvas bag his father took to the war. We would love some of the locals to "peruse" these photos at the History Rooms to assist in identifying people.

A former Lismore Primary School teacher, Miss Pat Dunlop also came and caught up with former students from the early 1950's.

Thankyou to the many locals who attended and to the people who assisted us by moving chairs, the shelter etc. and supplying afternoon tea. Many thanks to Tom Dennis for selecting the beautiful granite rock, Corangamite Shire and their staff, traffic management people and the Dept of Veterans Affairs.

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GEELENGLA SCHOOL PLAQUE

History was revisited on Sunday 4th December 2011 when fifty people attended the unveiling by Councillor Geoff Smith of a commemorative plaque for Geelengla School students, their families and teachers of the school.

The school was built in 1924 to cater for the children of the soldier settlers that settled in the district after the 1914-1918 war. The school was destroyed by grass fires in 1944. The land the soldiers settled on was acquired by the government from Larra Station abd was named after the parish of Geelengla.

Fourteen students attended the unveiling. Three apologies from students unable to attend for various reasons. Many stories were told by students, some told what they wouldn't want their family or grandchildren top hear!

The day ended with more stories and a cup of tea and eats at the home of Laweton French. (Report by Laweton French)

The plaque and event was organised by Laweton French, assisted by the DLCA History Group & Corangamite Shire.

'Built at the foot of Mt Elephant, this was another of the Western Plains schools opened because of closer settlement after the first World War. It began in 1922, situated on land now owned by D. Grant. Elsie Rogers was the teacher for two or three years. It appears that the last teacher was Miss E. de Vries, in 1942, when the school closed. The building was to have been moved to Darlington, but it was destroyed in the fires of January, 1944.'

Page 967: VISION & REALISATION: VOLUME 2- A Centenary History of State Education in Victoria- Educ. Dept. of Victoria 1973

"Settlement Among the Stones"

This is a wonderful pictorial record and is a project of the DLCA- HISTORY GROUP. Thankyou to all who were involved with the production, photos and stories; and to the Corangamite Shire for their funding of the project. The narrative is retold by locals as they recall their childhood.

CARDs..........NEW DESIGNS

Quality blank cards depicting local places and features around the Derrinallum, Lismore & Darlington areas

$3 each or $10 selection of 4

AVAILABLE AT

History Rooms, Wooltrack Store-Lismore, Derri. Post Office.

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"GALA SOLDIER SETTLERS"

We are thrilled to announce that the Department of Veteran's Affairs has agreed to the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to recognise the "Gala" settlers and has provided us with the funds. The event was held on Sunday 27th November 2011 on site on the Skipton Rd.

The original five families are:

Bob & Fran LLOYD,

Ian & Audrey ROBERTSON,

Bill & Joyce HEATH,

Tom & Lilian LISTON

Jack & Shirley CORLETTE.

Thankyou to Judith Sarto for sharing her knowledge and Pop-up book collection at the History Rooms last weekend. Judith has collected many books. She began her collection with a Star Wars book in the 70's. Her collection includes books for adults and children. Pop-up books are usually put together by an author, an illustrator and a paper engineer.

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A Bolt.

(Taken from the Lismore Advertiser Wed. Aug. 1st 1917)

A spirited Gnarpurt pair of buggy horses had the time of their lives on Monday morning. Left standing by the groom in front of Mr Syd Hall's shop for a moment, they seized the opportunity to make an exhilarating journey of their own accord, and succeeded in reaching the Titanga stables where they were again brought under human control. They cleverly dodged the groom as he rushed out to stop them, went up High St. at a smart pace, pretended to be frightened at Mr Clarke's baker's cart at the Manse, and settled down to race Mr Felix Waugh when he gave chase along Derrinallum Road. He frustrated their intention to turn into Skipton road, but they beat him to the Titanga Lodge gates.

These were only half open, but they went through them with a bang, and whirled the buggy up the drive at a Melbourne Cup gait. Sweeping around the homestead they encountered a gate, and went through it, breaking the post. They were just about to negotiate another gate, when a station hand rushed at them with a broom, and they capitulated.

The only damage done was a broken breastplate, and the turn-out was at the railway station in time to meet Mr Archie Thomson on his arrival by the morning train. It was fortunate that from the Manse onward the pair had a clear run. Had they encountered anything on the road, it is hard to say what might have happened.

or post: P.O. Box 25 Derrinallum, Victoria, 3325

(It is a *.docx file which needs a recent version of version of MS Word to open.)

LOCAL HISTORY NEWS: Sunday 15th May 2011, 2pm, Lwr Darlington Rd. Lismore. What a terrific afternoon!
Freezing cold, windswept side of the road, enthusiastic locals, fans from far and wide and some of the Geelong Footy Club's great past players ~all kept warm from the inner glow of the Cat's Friday night triumph over the Pies.
The unveiling of a set of three plaques to commemorate the site of the former Struan Dam State School no. 3730 and the amazing coincidence, that in 1914, two Geelong Football Club's greatest players, both attended this school.Geoff Gallichan had unearthed a school photo from 1914, with a teacher and 19 young students; and standing tall in the back row, is Carji Greeves and in the front row, a dapper young Reg Hickey.
Who could have imagined that those little boys in their lace-up boots would still to this day, be household names among Geelong supporters?
The children in the photo are from the White, Gibson, O'Brien, Hickey, Watson and Greeves families.
The day started with Sandy Gibson reading excerpts from Lyle Gibson's diary of her days at Struan Dam School. AFL Statistics & History Consultant Col Hutchinson, told of the beginnings of the Geelong club and of the skills and leadership of Reg and Carji and the many other former players from the Western District. GFC Board Member Bob Gartland introduced the Hickey and Greeves families; Christine Primus(Hickey), Margaret Wilkie(Hickey), Jenny Maishman(Hickey) and June Ford(Greeves) and their extended families.

Afternoon tea was provided by the Derrinallum & Lismore History Group and the hard working volunteers - Wendy, Norma and Gwenda, who made sandwiches, served hot drinks and even did the washing up, Geoff Gallichan for scones, éclairs and slice. A very big thankyou to you all. History Group members Margaret, Avon, Jan, Tony, Marg, Pauline, Alisoun and Lachie had researched and arranged a display of information about Reg and Carji. They had also prepared postcards to commemorate the event.These cards and other lovely local district postcards are available for purchase at the History Rooms.
GFC donated special football books as raffle prizes and the winners were Keith Primus, Ellen Gibson, Wendy O'Brien and David Gibson ~ and they were all related to the children in the 1914 Struan school photograph!Margaret Nixon is planning a display of the day in the History Room windows and Trish Ringe has taken a collection of great photographs of the event. Do call between 10am - 4pm in on a Friday and see it all.

"The Hello Girls..."

Lismore & Derrinallum Telephonists, Linesmen, Night (Boys) Staff, Technicians and PostMasters get together held on Sunday 27th March 2011 at the History Rooms at Derrinallum proved to be a great success.

Over 50 interested people met and chatted and swapped stories over lunch, afternoon tea and beyond..... Some travelled great distances. We were able to record many of their stories and memories.

The telephone played a major role in the development of the country. The switchboard was the lifeline of the towns. Fires, births, deaths & accidents as well as celebrations all went through the exchange. The manual exchange began possibly in 1906 and ceased operating in Lismore 8pm, March 8th, 1978. The commemorative plaque and stone is in the median strip near the flag pole and "new" sculpture.

We would like to thank all these people for their contribution to our community. Last Sunday was a tribute to the many who worked on keeping the lines open for business! Thankyou to everyone who made the get together such a success.